Taylor had a serious condition that required removal of the upper third of his small intestine. Based on this information, is Taylor at risk for developing multiple nutrient deficiencies? Explain why or why not.

Yes, Taylor is at risk for developing multiple nutrient deficiencies since most of the nutrients are absorbed in the upper small intestine.

Explanation:

The small intestine in the gastrointestinal tract has three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Most of the digestion and the absorption of nutrients from the digested food occurs in the small intestine.

The removal of the upper part of the small intestine during surgical procedures such as gastric bypass surgery often results in multiple nutrient deficiencies as it alters the natural absorption of nutrients. The common nutrient deficiencies include vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, iron, folate, zinc, copper, etc. These deficiencies may lead to other problems like anemia, osteoporosis, encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, etc.

Vitamin B12 is required for the functioning of the nervous system and for the growth and replication of cells. The absorption process of vitamin B12 primarily takes place in the duodenum and ileum of the small intestine. The removal of that part of the small intestine interferes with the natural absorption of vitamin B12 and it results in complications like cognitive difficulties, anemia, neuropathy, etc. The duodenum and jejunum of the small intestine have an important role in iron and copper absorption. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue and copper deficiency may cause increased muscle tone, difficulty in walking, neuropathy, skin changes, psychiatric disorders, etc. Most of the ingested calcium is absorbed primarily in the duodenum of the small intestine and its deficiency often results in osteoporosis, reduced bone growth, etc. The folate and zinc absorption takes place across the intestinal walls. The reduced zinc absorption causes folate deficiency and it leads to birth defects, decreased erythropoiesis, megaloblastic anemia, neurologic problems, etc.